Yes, while the UMTS is a different network (it actually works in conjunction with another network that we do support here in the states which is CDMA). CDMA is the primary network used by Sprint PCS (Not Nextel Iden) and Verizon Wireless (Although their CDMA are on different freqs). Sprint uses somewhere around 1900 mhz band and Verizon 800 mhz band. Having said that, there actually IS a UMTS 'version' here in the U.S. It works over SBC's (Southwestern Bell Companies) old 'patchwork' network. Cingular purchased this network in the late 90's hence their name (the consolidation of the Bell's that were not purchased under Verizon). UMTS is currently available in US only on the Cingular Wireless network and it is currently deployed in Seattle, Dallas, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco. It gives average download speeds of around 250-300 Kpbs and when the sun, moon, stars and everything is in alignment you can get bursts up to 384Kbps. When you travel out of the current UMTS areas you will have "EDGE" backup. Cingular Wireless plans to use UMTS as a bridge from their EDGE Network to their HSDPA (High Speed Dowload Packet Access) Network, which is branded "TRUE 3G". You should see UMTS advertised more prominently in their ads probably around Q12006.